Cytologic detection of Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid. Rapid screening methods.

Yeasts of Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were studied using polarized light and fluorescence microscopy. Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence of wet-fixed, Papanicolaou-stained smears and polarization of air-dried, Diff-Quik or Leishman-stained preparations are complementary methods that allow for rapid screening for and immediate identification of Cryptococcus in cytologic preparations of CSF.